Pavement, Regent Street, Market Place, Market Street, Union Street, Deans Lane and Church Lane have been earmarked for the reductions.
Alterations are also expected to the junction at Burnby Lane and New Street to improve drivers' visibility.

East Riding Council says the proposed scheme is to reduce the "level of road casualties" recorded in Pocklington town centre, which its says stands at 12 between 2005 and 2007 and left three people with minor injuries and one badly hurt.

Pocklington Town Council says the proposed new limit is not needed as it is impossible to do more than 20mph in the town centre anyway.

A spokesman for East Riding Council said: "By cutting average speeds to 20mph or less, experience has shown that we can reduce injuries on the road by as much as 70 per cent.

"This is because road users have more time to react to danger. As well as reducing the chance of collisions, slower speeds can mean that in any collisions that still occur, injuries are less serious.

"Young children and vulnerable people are especially at risk and a 20mph zone can help reduce this risk."

Despite this, Pocklington Town Council raised concerns over the plans.
While they agree road safety is paramount, some felt that County Hall appeared to be pressing ahead with minimal consultation, while others questioned the need for 20mph zones in such a congested area.

It was pointed out that since the similar reduced speed zones were introduced around other parts of the region, not a single motorist has been prosecuted for breaking the limit.

"It sounds like it's something that 's going to go through regardless," said Mayor Jeff Shepherd.

"They (East Riding Council] have already asked for high resolution pictures of the town's crest to go on the signposts so it looks like they've made up their minds already."